| Building
Number/Name: Date prepared: Responsible Contractor: Contact: |
314 February 23, 2004 FH-CP Kenneth Jaten |
PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: YES
Form of beryllium: SOLID
Period of beryllium operations (dates): Start: 1960 End: 1970s
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials: Acid etch treatment area, autoclave, and brazing area(s).
Description of beryllium activities: This World War II building known as the Metal Extrusion building, was originally used to extrude and straighten uranium fuel rods; provide radiographic testing; and process scrap uranium. The building was modified in the 1970s and subsequently used by PNNL for a variety of research projects and crafts services. A 1960 report noted that a zirconium spelter (5% beryllium) was used to braze uranium and zirconium cladding of KER fuel-type elements and subsequently autoclaved and cleaned in an acid bath (which caused oxidation and possible flaking).
Building monitoring data summary: Four swipes and one air sample were collected in 1960. Low levels of beryllium (0.003 mg/in2) were identified inside the autoclave; higher levels (0.3 mg/in2) were identified on the fuel elements and coupons. The single air sample was collected 6 inches from the autoclave with a reported value of 0.15 mg/m3.
Personnel monitoring data summary:
None identified
Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during
operations: None identified.
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: Contamination may be present.
Current building occupancy/activity: This building is currently
unoccupied
2000 Characterization:
Statistical beryllium wipe sampling was conducted in this facility on May 11, 2000 to characterize residual beryllium levels from past operations. All 59 samples taken had less than the public release limit of removable beryllium (<0.2 µg/100 cm2).Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: For staff performing building walkthroughs, exposure to beryllium would be minimal. For non-routine activities such as breaching facility systems, exposure levels are unknown.
OPERATIONAL CONTROLS: Work activities occurring in this facility will be planned and reviewed with consideration given to the potential for beryllium exposure. Controls will be prescribed when the work activity may potentially enter or disturb an area not yet characterized through beryllium sampling or monitoring. Work will be carefully planned with IH&S professional support to help assure potential exposure risks are identified and minimized through the use of appropriate controls and additional sampling/monitoring as appropriate.
Basis for above information: Stone
and Webster report and publication WHC-MR-0388.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify):
Levels of contamination are unknown.
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